Thinking of being a bandit at a race? Think again.

USA Triathlon (USAT) is suing two individuals who sold and bought a race entry to the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. After the transaction, Charles Martin ended up racing under a false name. During the bike leg a car hit him, which was illegally on the course. USAT's event insurance did not cover Martin, since he was not a member and did not purchase a one-day membership. Now Martin has a lawsuit against the race organization, Tri-California Events, and the driver of the car.

This case is a worse case scenario of those types of transactions. Charles Martin was hurt physically, is being sued and may be kept from racing in a USAT sanctioned race for a long time. Dakin Ferris, who sold the entry, is being sued, and will probably be suspended by USAT, if he has not already. All USAT races will probably end up paying higher sanctioning fees, as the recently rising insurance rates will continue to go up. Triathletes everywhere will see increasing entry fees continue to go up also.

It is in everybody's interest to discourage bandits at any race, whether it is a triathlon, road race or any local event. Accidents can happen, and races can be financially hurt and perhaps cancelled. Just like shoplifting, it hurts us all.

For those who are wondering, yes I have run a race as a bandit. It was a non-USAT race. I was young and foolish. I did the run leg holding scissors. I made it through unharmed, and harmed no others. I would not do it now. I certainly would not sue if I were hurt while racing as a bandit. I would hope most triathletes would not either. This guy must not be a real triathlete, since he is not a member of USAT. However, he is a pinhead. I think it would be in everybodies best interest to let all suits be dropped. Somehow, I doubt that will happen.

10:58:06 PM    comment []

More on the Vuelta!

Cipollini has gone home to get ready for worlds. Heras of the U. S. Postal Team, and Lance's workhorse during the Tour, has struggled. The Spanish team Kelme holds places 1st and 2nd with Oscar Sevilla and Aitor Gonzalez respectively. They are only 1 second apart. Many have expected a heated race between the two, perhaps splitting the team, but his has not happened. The two are very happy to race together. Sevilla holds the Golden Jersey, but said he expected Gonzalez to take it during the time trial. Sevilla ended up keeping it by the one second margin. It will be interesting to see how it unfolds. Can they hold the team together?

Pablo Lastras of iBanesto.com won today’s Stage 11. This was his second stage in 4 days. One of those was a rest day, and one a time trial. So this guy has won two mass start stages in a row! He has made both very exciting.

The Vuelta can be seen daily and nightly on OLN TV. The evening show is at 9 PM. In the morning the race can be tracked live on the net at Cyclingnews and Velonews.

9:39:49 PM    comment []

Customer service sucks, right?

Creative Loafing of Atlanta does a nice story on customer service. Do you suspect a company of purposely shuffling you around, hoping that you willhang up? Do they just bill your credit card and hope you do not notice it orfigure it is not worth the hours on the phone it will take to fix? Are you convinced they really do not care about your call? Do they play Barry Manilow hold music on purpose? Well, you may be right about all of those, and maybe even the Barry Manilow.

10:20:21 AM    comment []

Georgia Libertarians sue over being thrown off ballots

Georgia has very vague and convoluted third party ballot laws. Rarely have third parties ever even tried to get on ballots in the state. Now some Libertarians say they have proof they are being denied a chance to run.

Are you a male moving to Atlanta?

This is where you need to move! It is actually a great little area on top of the main reason.

8:49:54 AM    comment []